The Kenya Railways Corporation has formally announced the resumption of the Voi train stopover, weeks after President William Ruto directed the corporation to begin night operations at the station.
Kenya Railways Managing Director Philip Mainga, in a statement on Friday, December 13, revealed that from December 15, 2024, the Madaraka passenger train travelling from and to Mombasa would make a 3-minute stopover at the station.
Mainga stated that the train from Nairobi terminus heading to Mombasa would stop at Voi station from 2:05am to 2:08am. Meanwhile, the train from Mombasa terminus heading to Nairobi would make a stopover between 11:45am and 11:48am.
"Kenya Railways is pleased to announce that effective December 15, 2024, the 10pm Madaraka Express Passenger Service train to and from Nairobi Terminus will now make a 3-minute stopover at Voi station," Kenya Railways MD announced.
“We look forward to having you on board as we endeavour to serve you better. Thank you for your continued support,” Mainga added.
Mainga’s announcement comes a fortnight after President Ruto directed Kenya Railways management to effect the resumption of the train services in Voi.
Speaking during the launch of the Devki Iron Ore Pelletisation plant launch in Manga, Taita Taveta County, on Tuesday, December 3, the Head of State told the residents that he had directed relevant stakeholders to ensure that their request was fulfilled.
The locals had requested President Ruto to effect the night stopover of the Madaraka Express train to enable them to travel at night and ensure uninterrupted business activities.
"I have directed the Transport Ministry, and they have confirmed that from December 15, the train will start the night stopover at Voi," the President revealed.
The Madaraka Express train normally makes a stopover at the Voi station during the day. However, the residents expressed their concerns over the disruption of activities as the train does not ply the route at night.
The morning trains usually depart both Mombasa and Nairobi termini simultaneously at 8:00am every day. This service entails scheduled stops at Mariakani, Miasenyi, Voi, Mtito Andei, Kibwezi, Emali, and Athi River stations.
Meanwhile, in the afternoon, the other two trains depart both Mombasa and Nairobi termini simultaneously at 3:00pm and include a stopover at Voi station.
